MYRTLE BEACH MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS

Passing a motorcyclist without leaving enough space between the car and motorcycle can result in a sideswipe collision. Motorcyclists often get run off the road when someone tries to pass them but doesn’t keep their distance.

Debris, potholes, and other hazardous conditions can be catastrophic for a motorcyclist. The sudden impact of running over a tree branch or hitting a large pothole can puncture a tire or eject the rider from their motorcycle.

Dooring accidents occur when drivers park their cars and don’t look for oncoming motorcyclists before opening their doors. This lack of attention causes them to open their door into the path of a rider, resulting in blunt force trauma to the rider’s head or body as they collide with the door or fall to the pavement.

Speeding motorists can lose control of their vehicles and crash into nearby riders. Accidents occurring at high speeds often lead to debilitating injuries for motorcyclists. Since there isn’t anything protecting the rider other than their helmet, they can suffer significant physical harm during the crash.

Most people don’t understand the risk they take when they get behind the wheel of their cars despite feeling tired. Fatigue or drowsiness causes a slower reaction time, poor decision-making, and reduced motor skills. In 2019, 697 people died in accidents involving drowsy drivers.

Blind spots are areas drivers have a hard time seeing on either side of their vehicles. Looking in the rearview or side-view mirror isn’t adequate. Drivers should also look over their shoulders to check for people riding in their blind spots. Changing lanes without looking can cause a collision with a motorcyclist already in the lane.

Texting is one of the most common distractions people engage in while operating their vehicles. However, there is a range of other distractions that can redirect a driver’s focus and attention to something other than the task of driving. Eating and drinking, singing along to the radio, and looking at a GPS can also prevent motorists from noticing dangerous conditions and maneuvering their cars to avoid crashing into a motorcyclist.

Alcohol and drugs limit a person’s functional capacity. They lead to physical and mental impairments and could cause the driver to fall asleep at the wheel. If someone chooses to drive after drinking or doing drugs, they’re likely to end up in an accident. When they drive in an impaired condition, it’s much more challenging to follow traffic laws and see motorcyclists riding nearby.